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Amateur players are getting the chance to earn one million Australian dollars when they face elite players - headed by world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a one-point battle before the year's first major

Organizers of the year's first Grand Slam have announced the Million Dollar One Point Slam, which will match everyday competitors against elite athletes in a elimination competition at the tournament grounds

This Innovative Tournament Functions

Participants must play 'the decision-making game' to establish who takes the serve or return position, and the player who wins the point will advance to the next round

The winner of the event will take home £490,000

By comparison, players who reached the semi-finals of the main draw competitions in the 2025 Australian Open won A$1.1m

Previous Related Competitions

The US Open organized a revamped, independent combined gender tournament in August which encouraged top singles players to take part, with the winners receiving a million-dollar prize

The Australian Open held its debut single-point competition this year, but the prize fund was A$60,000 and it generated little publicity

The Russian player was the sole elite competitor involved, and his progress concluded when he directed the one and only serve granted into the mesh in his penultimate round

Competition Information

Organizers have not detailed exactly how the event will operate, but it is projected to follow a akin setup to the most recent iteration

The elite players will be permitted to serve once and the everyday players twice - as is the usual procedure in standard play

While it is unclear how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the location will be the Rod Laver Arena rather than the secondary venue

The concluding rounds will take place in a evening slot instead of early afternoon

Entry Requirements

Any Australians - or international players who have registered with the governing body - can participate in 'quick-match event' events at their neighborhood facilities

The winners of the local competitions will then go into a random pairing, with a single non-professional from every state and territory chosen to compete in the 'final competition' in a nighttime event on mid-January

There will also be a qualifying draw in late year which amateurs, aspiring competitors, famous personalities and athletic celebrities can participate in

It commences on the starting date and the successful competitors will go into Wednesday's 'championship match' with the remaining non-professionals and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the ultimate winner will claim the prize. Applications will open soon at clubs nationwide"

Event organizers mentioned there were "more big names to be announced soon", while the tournament site said "celebrities" would be taking part